Big sporting weekend in Kathorus

Manyora FC and Mambas FC are the champions of the Palmridge Really Active Lifestyle (Prals) Easter Games after the action-packed finals at the D-Ground at Ext 6, Palm Ridge, Katlehong, on April 30.

Prals hosted a top 32 for seniors and a top 16 for the U21 division.

The first match kicked off at 13:00 between Amazayoni FC from Katlehong and Manyora FC from Vaal and the second match kicked off at 15:00 between Bayern FC and Mambas FC.

Manyora FC clinched the trophy on penalties after playing to a one-all draw. They took an early lead when Siyabonga ‘Starvo’ Ndebele scored the opening goal in the first half.

Amazayoni FC attempted to equalise on multiple counter-attacks using the wing-crosses but their stickers could not convert those opportunities.

They missed two opportunities from crosses shot off-target. They were quick on their counterattacks as there was no one to complete the attacks on the left forward.

The home side returned rejuvenated in the second half.

Manyora FC succumbed to pressure in the second half when Lebohang Veli found an equaliser during the dying minutes of the game. The game concluded with penalties.

Amazayoni FC scored one penalty and Manyora three, resulting in a 3-1 victory.

They won a cash prize of R15 000 and a new kit. Amazayoni FC took second place which included a cash prize of R5 000 and a new kit.

In the senior division, penalties separated Mambas FC from Soweto and Bayern FC after a goalless 90 minutes.

The Soweto side won a R120 000 cash prize and new kits, while Bayern FC took home the second prize of R40 000 and a new kit.

Coach Xolani ‘Disco’ Khoza of Amazayoni FC said the tournament was challenging, but by God’s grace, they fought from day one until the final.

“Prals is one of the biggest tournaments in Gauteng. Only one team can win in the finals, therefore congratulations to Manyora FC who played well. We will try again next time,” said Khoza.

He said their first mistake was respecting their opponents too much and conceding the first goal was a wake-up call.

“They scored early because of our mistakes. We were marking blindsides. It was a communication mistake between our defender and goalkeeper.”

Manyora FC captain Diego Zima said he feels they can do more as players. The players fought a good fight but they still have to work on their concentration.

“Even for me as an individual, I lose focus in the dying minutes of the game and that is something we need to work on. I think that is one of the reasons we conceded a last-minute goal. This also happened during the semifinals against Juventus and it is a weakness,” said Zima.

Coach Martin Mochosa of Manyora FC noted this was their first time participating in the tournament and he was pleased about their achievement and the overall tournament.

“My players have impressed me. They worked hard, trained and took some rest days. We knew about the tournament two weeks prior, affiliated and started preparing,”

He said they studied their opponents before the final.

“I knew they applied combination play, so we allowed them to play inside for us to use the wing sides of the field. We used quick counter-attacks applying the 4-3-3 formation whereby we use our full-backs to supply stickers with crosses.”

He said they are currently participating in the SAB League. Unfortunately, for now, they are not ready to compete for the league title but are earmarking play-offs for the next season.

A local fan, Bonkosi Mtshali from Ext 6, Katlehong, expressed his support for the champions, stating he loved their gameplay. After seeing their first game, he supported them throughout.

“I am expecting a lot from this club. I wish to see it develop players and feed big teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates with quality players,” said Mtshali.

According to the deputy chairperson of Prals, Veli Mazibuko, Prals is an NGO that provides support to orphans by giving food parcels and blankets.

In 2019, it established the Easter and Heritage Day games to unite the community and fight crime and drugs.

Mazibuko said when they engaged with the youth, they found most of them were sportsmen in various sporting codes, while others were singers or dancers. All of them do not have a place to perform.

He said they are trying to bring talent scouters to the community because some players cannot afford to go for trials due to financial constraints and lack of transport.

“We wish to do more but are struggling as we rely on sponsorship. We are inviting future sponsors with the capacity to partner with us.”

He thanked the current sponsors, including Bheki Langa, Lesobeng, Sam’s Inn Liqueur, Scaw Metals, and Las Vegas among others.

To support Prals contact Mazibuko on 084 975 9693 or Ignatiusvelaphi@gmail.com.